Franklin Electric Co., Inc., in partnership with the National Groundwater Association (NGWA) and Oklahoma State University, announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2024 NGWA University Franklin Electric Scholarship program. These scholarships are given annually to five emerging groundwater industry professionals and provide critical continuing education in NGWA University's comprehensive Drilling Basics Course. This year's application window runs through Sept. 1, 2024, and winners will be announced at NGWA's Groundwater Week held Dec. 10-12, 2024 in Las Vegas.

The Franklin Electric scholarships are open to professionals currently employed in the groundwater industry. Scholarship recipients will be given access to several foundational groundwater courses: Groundwater 101, General Workplace Safety, Drill Rig Safety, Geology and Groundwater, Hydrogeology and Fluid Mechanics, and Rig Types and Well Design. The online training program, powered by Oklahoma State University, is designed specifically to improve the safety and skills of drilling industry members, and train the next generation of drillers to address the critical shortage of professionals in the industry. To apply, professionals should visit the NGWA University Scholarship application form.

"Part of our vision as a company is to help nurture and support those who wish to pursue and advance their careers in the groundwater industry," said Andrew Schwarze, Franklin Electric senior business unit director, Groundwater Distribution. "By sponsoring these scholarships, we're assuring tomorrow's industry professionals gain skills that help them grow and solve new challenges."

In addition to sponsoring the scholarships, Franklin Electric is a longtime supporter of the NGWA. The company is a Platinum Founding Industry Partner of the NGWA University's Drilling Basics Course and a proud sponsor of the NGWA Learning Center that houses state-approved training for contractors, on-demand courses, member-exclusive webinars, and more.